How a Connecting Flight Differs from a Layover

1. The advantages of connecting flights and what to keep in mind if you have multiple bookings.
2. What Is a Connecting Flight?
3. Differences Between a Connecting Flight and a Layover
4. Quick Comparison: Connecting Flight vs. Layover
5. How Much Time to Allocate Between Flights
6. How to Avoid Missing Your Connecting Flight or Layover
7. What to Do If Your First Flight Is Delayed and You Miss the Second
8. Connecting Flight
9. Layover

The advantages of connecting flights and what to keep in mind if you have multiple bookings.

A direct flight is, of course, convenient and fast, but finding the right ticket isn’t always possible. In such cases, you can consider flying via a third city—either with a connecting flight or a layover. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between these concepts, how much time to allocate between flights, and what to do in case of delays.

What Is a Connecting Flight?

A connecting flight involves a single booking for two flights, with a waiting time of less than 24 hours between them. This means you’ll be checked in for both flights at the departure counter and receive two boarding passes. Sometimes, there may be more than two flights, all under one booking. A connecting flight is operated by a single airline or carriers within the same alliance.

Let’s break it down using an example of an air ticket from Shanghai to Berlin with a connection in Munich.

The Shanghai-Munich flight is operated by Air China, while Munich-Berlin is operated by Lufthansa. Despite the different airlines for each segment, this is considered a connecting flight because both airlines belong to the same Star Alliance.

The term “connecting flight” isn’t yet widely known among travelers. Therefore, booking websites often label it as a “layover” without further clarification.

Differences Between a Connecting Flight and a Layover

There are key differences between a connecting flight and a layover.

• Connecting flight: One ticket covers all flights, and you don’t need to retrieve and recheck your luggage—airport staff will transfer it from one plane to another.
• Layover: Multiple separate tickets. If you’re flying from one country to another, you’ll need to go through passport control after the first flight, retrieve your luggage, check in for the next flight, recheck your luggage, and go through border control (unless flying domestically).

An example of a ticket with a layover. Re-check-in is required—this will be indicated on the ticket details on the website or app to ensure travelers understand their itinerary.

For layovers, it’s crucial to allocate more time than for connecting flights. If you miss your onward flight, the responsibility falls on the passenger, not the airline.

With a connecting flight, the airline bears responsibility: if the first flight is delayed, and you miss the next one due to the carrier’s fault, you’ll be rebooked on the next available flight at no extra cost.

Quick Comparison: Connecting Flight vs. Layover

* – Check visa rules for each country separately.

How Much Time to Allocate Between Flights

Even though connecting flights don’t require as much time for security checks, luggage, and check-in as layovers, it’s still best to have some buffer between flights.

Optimally, allocate at least 1.5–2 hours for a connecting flight. This way, you can comfortably transfer from one plane to another without stress or rushing.

Keep in mind that connecting flights still require security checks. In some cases, passport control may also be necessary—for example, when flying from Istanbul to Europe. Of course, you might make it in just 40 minutes if you know the airport well and the first flight departs on time. But you’ll have to hurry—running and asking to skip lines.

If you’re booking a ticket with a tight connection—say, 50 minutes—check the airport layout in advance. Note that gates can sometimes be quite far apart—walking (or running) may take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.

If there’s too much time between flights, waiting can become exhausting and costly—you’ll at least need to buy food and water.

How to Avoid Missing Your Connecting Flight or Layover

• If possible, book a scheduled flight rather than a charter. Scheduled flights rarely change their departure times, unlike charters.
• Check your fare conditions before booking. If planning a layover, avoid non-refundable tickets or those that can’t be changed after departure. If you miss your flight, you’ll at least have the option to refund or exchange it.
• When booking a layover ticket, check if there’s an airport change. If the city is unfamiliar, avoid such routes. If unavoidable, plan your transfer between airports in advance.
• For layovers, check in for your next flight in advance and save or print your boarding pass. If checking luggage, verify size and weight limits to avoid last-minute fees or repacking.
• Follow airport signage carefully when transferring. If confused, ask airport staff for directions.
• During long waits, keep track of time. If napping, set an alarm. If shopping, glance at the clock occasionally. Missing your flight due to distraction means the airline won’t rebook you for free.
• If running late, notify the flight attendant—you may be allowed to disembark first. Politely ask to skip queues during security checks; most passengers will understand.

What to Do If Your First Flight Is Delayed and You Miss the Second

Connecting Flight

If you miss your second flight due to the first flight’s delay, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no cost. Contact the airline’s representative.

Remember: For waits over 2 hours, you’re entitled to refreshments; over 4 hours, a meal; and over 8 hours (daytime) or 6 hours (nighttime), hotel transfers and accommodation.

If you no longer wish to fly, ask the airline to mark your boarding pass or itinerary receipt with the delay confirmation. This helps with refunds for unused tickets.

Layover

If you realize at the first airport that you’ll miss your next flight, contact the airline to exchange or refund your ticket. Some airlines allow exchanges even after missing the flight, though fees may apply.

You can also request compensation from the delayed flight’s airline—though success isn’t guaranteed, as layover risks fall on the passenger.

If you purchased travel insurance covering flight delays, it may reimburse costs for a new ticket, meals, calls, hotel stays, and transfers—required for layovers exceeding 8 hours (day) or 6 hours (night).